On Sunday, we announced the names of the two candidates for Steward Team. See this post for an explanation of Steward Team and this post for a description of the nomination process.

After community nominations were received, a discernment team comprised of a cross-section of leaders at Open Door prayed, affirmed and discerned a smaller list of candidates to present to the current Steward Team. In light of Open Door's current season and next steps, Steward Team prayerfully invited two candidates - Erik Polzin and Kate Schwass - into conversation about joining Steward Team. After their own discernment and prayer, both candidates accepted the invitation and, this past Sunday, were announced to Open Door as the two candidates to join Steward Team.

Photo by Adam Powers (instagram.com/ylpowers)

Reconciliation is essential to our understanding of God's activity in the world and, as such, believe it to be a necessary practice for us in the Open Door family. Before commissioning Erik and Kate as members of our team of elders, we make space for and invitation into reconciliation. If there is any relational interruption or potential questions you have for either candidate, please prioritize and initiate reconciling conversations with them before June 21. If any situation might require mediation or coaching, please be in touch with Jer, Dave, or another member of Steward Team.

At the conclusion of this reconciliation stage, we will commission Kate and Erik as members of Open Door's Steward Team (tentatively scheduled for June 21's Gathering).